The European Union is made up of 27 member states which are primarily located in Europe. The EU was established with its current name by the Maastricht Treaty in 1993. The Union operates through a series of institutions and cross-governmental decisions, negotiated by the member states to create a unified, barrier-free market for products and services throughout the continent. These include the European Commission, Council of the European Union, the European Council, European Council of Justice and the European Central Bank. The parliament is elected every five years by EU citizens. The countries include: Belgium; France; Netherlands; Germany; Italy; Luxembourg; Denmark; Ireland; UK; Greece; Portugal; Spain; Austria; Finland; Sweden; Hungary; Poland; Czech Republic; Slovak Republic; Slovenia; Estonia; Latvia; Lithuania; Malta; Cyprus; Bulgaria; Romania